Pronunciation Guide: al-LOT-ree-os (ἀλ-ΛΌΤ-ρι-ος)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G245: ἀλλότριος describes that which belongs to another, foreign, strange, or alien. It fundamentally denotes something or someone that exists outside one’s own sphere of ownership, authority, or identity. In biblical usage, it often carries implications beyond mere foreignness, suggesting a stark contrast between what properly belongs to God’s people and what is foreign to His purposes.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root: Derived from ἄλλος (allos, “other”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and teaching passages
• Literary Form: Common in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀλλότριος Morphology:

• ἀλλότριος (nominative masculine singular) – foreign, belonging to another
• ἀλλοτρίου (genitive masculine singular) – of what belongs to another
• ἀλλοτρίῳ (dative masculine singular) – to/for what belongs to another
• ἀλλότριον (accusative masculine singular) – foreign (direct object)
• ἀλλοτρία (nominative feminine singular) – foreign, belonging to another
• ἀλλότριοι (nominative masculine plural) – foreign ones, those belonging to others

Origin & History

ἀλλότριος has a rich history in classical Greek literature dating back to Homer’s works. In the Odyssey, Homer uses it to describe Odysseus returning home to find “strangers” (ἀλλότριοι) occupying his house. Thucydides employed the term in his History of the Peloponnesian War to distinguish between native and foreign territories.

The word maintained consistent meaning throughout ancient Greek literature, though it developed nuanced implications in different contexts. In philosophical works, particularly those of Plato and Aristotle, it took on more abstract connotations, describing concepts that were “foreign” to a particular nature or essence.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which belongs to another person or entity
• Foreign or strange, especially in relation to established norms or identity
• Alien or hostile to a particular nature or purpose
• Inappropriate or unfitting for a specific context or relationship

ἀλλότριος Translation Options:

• “Belonging to another” – Best when ownership or authority is emphasized
• “Foreign” – Appropriate when cultural or social distinction is primary
• “Strange/alien” – Useful when emphasizing fundamental incompatibility
• “Not one’s own” – Helpful for contexts emphasizing identity and belonging

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλλότριος appears 14 times, often carrying theological significance beyond mere foreignness. Its first appearance in Matthew 17:25 occurs in Jesus’ discussion about temple tax, contrasting “strangers” with “sons,” establishing a crucial theological principle about identity in God’s kingdom.

The Septuagint uses ἀλλότριος extensively, particularly in contexts distinguishing God’s people from foreign nations or foreign gods. This usage creates a theological framework for understanding spiritual identity and belonging that carries into New Testament theology.

Key appearances include:

• “From strangers [ἀλλοτρίων] or from their sons?” Matthew 17:25
• “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner [ἀλλότριος] of the sheep” John 10:12
• “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign [ἀλλοτρίᾳ] land?” Psalm 137:4 (LXX)
• “For they will not follow a stranger [ἀλλοτρίῳ], but will flee from him” John 10:5

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of “foreign” carried profound implications beyond geographical origin. The Hebrew term נָכְרִי (nokri), often translated as ἀλλότριος in the Septuagint, reflected not just different nationality but spiritual alienation from Israel’s covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh).

The distinction between “native” and “foreign” was particularly significant in Temple worship and community life. The presence of the שׁער הַנִּכְרִי (sha’ar hanokri, “foreigner’s gate”) in the Temple complex physically embodied this theological concept of separateness.

Theological Significance

ἀλλότριος plays a crucial role in biblical theology by helping define spiritual identity and belonging. In the Messiah’s teaching, particularly in John 10, the term helps establish the intimate relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep, who recognize His voice and flee from the “stranger.”

This word contributes to the New Testament’s theology of adoption and belonging. Believers, once “alienated from God,” are brought near through the Messiah’s work. The concept helps illuminate the dramatic transition from being “foreigners” to becoming “members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλλότριος challenges believers to examine their spiritual allegiances and identity. Just as ancient Israel was called to distinguish between what belonged to God and what was foreign to His purposes, we too must discern between godly and worldly influences in our lives.

This word reminds us that our primary citizenship is in heaven, making us “foreigners” to this world’s systems while belonging intimately to God’s kingdom. This dual identity should shape our values, choices, and relationships.

Related Words

• ξένος (xenos, “stranger/foreigner”) – Emphasizes the status of being unknown or unfamiliar, rather than belonging to another. See G3581
• ἀλλογενής (allogenēs, “of another race”) – Specifically refers to ethnic foreignness. See G241
• πάροικος (paroikos, “resident alien”) – Describes temporary residence without citizenship rights. See G3941
• ἀλλότριοεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos, “meddler”) – Compound word including ἀλλότριος, referring to one who interferes in others’ affairs. See G244

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek legal documents, ἀλλότριος was commonly used in property contracts to distinguish between one’s own possessions and those belonging to others, showing its importance in establishing clear boundaries of ownership.
• The concept of ἀλλότριος in Jewish thought was so strong that separate courtyards were maintained in the Second Temple for Israelites and foreigners, reflecting the spiritual significance of the distinction.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀλλότριος in legal contexts, particularly in property law, maintaining its ancient connotation of “belonging to another.”

Remember This

ἀλλότριος reminds us that our spiritual identity determines our true belonging – we are either foreign to the world and native to God’s kingdom, or foreign to His kingdom and native to the world.